New York, U.S.A. - Homeless youth working towards brighter futures will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with Broadway stars at Covenant House’s A Night of Broadway Stars gala on Tuesday, June 12 on the stage of Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. A Night of Broadway Stars starts at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception. The show begins at 7:30 pm, followed by a dessert reception with the stars.

Rock star and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi will receives Covenant House’s “Beacon of Hope Award,” honoring his extensive support of the homeless young people striving to turn their lives around at the shelter for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Leo Carlin, President of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which works to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair, will also be honored with the Beacon of Hope Award.

“All kids need love, guidance and mentors who lead by example,” said Bon Jovi. “Yet some have had to grow up fast and have had more than their share of challenges. But thanks to organizations like Covenant House there is always hope.”

“Jon has been a friend to Covenant House for over 20 years, giving of his resources and time and talent to build new homes and new lives for homeless kids,” said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. “Joining with Leo Carlin, The Soul Foundation has become a beacon of hope, leading the way in the fight against homelessness by providing not only compassion, but practical, long-term solutions. We cannot thank Jon and Leo enough for being such important members of our Covenant House family.”

This star-studded evening is hosted by renowned lyricist and composer Neil Berg, and will include a full revue of performances by some of Broadway’s greatest talents, including 2012 Best Actor Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan and his Newsies co-star Capathia Jenkins, Ron Bohmer and Rita Harvey from Phantom of the Opera, Lawrence Clayton from Les Miserables, Rob Evan from Jekyll and Hyde, film and TV star Karla Mosley and Danny Zolli from Jesus Christ Superstar .

Olivia Harrison, wife of the great Beatle and philanthropist George Harrison, will receive the Casa Alianza Hands of Peace Award for her support of Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Guatemala. Her support has provided love, hope and protection to homeless youth in Latin America, helping to save thousands of lives. Ryan says, “No Covenant House 40th Year Anniversary would be complete without recognizing Olivia’s and George’s role in making our Latin American programs possible, and we are honored and blessed to thank her in this special way.”

Also to be honored for his service to homeless youth is Tom McGee, National Managing Partner of Deloitte Growth Enterprise Services. McGee will receive the International Board Service Award for his work as a driving force for change in the battle against homelessness. “Tom has been an incredible gift to our kids as a member of our Board, from sleeping outside of our New York shelter to raise funds and awareness for our kids, to traveling internationally to our sites to learn the issues and be part of real solutions to the problems our kids face,” said Ryan.

Ryan added, “It is also very appropriate that on our 40th anniversary, our Co-Chairs are Laura and Barbara Bush. Ever since President George H.W. Bush visited our kids over 20 years ago, three generations of the Bush family have championed the cause of our kids. Former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Barbara have continued the tradition by taking the time to know our kids and stepping up to help whenever our kids have needed their support.

“Covenant House has thousands of homeless youth working towards their dreams in six countries at our 21 locations every day – over 56,000 last year alone,” said Ryan. “Supporting A Night of Broadway Stars gives our kids a chance to make dreams come true … a chance to dream of jobs, of homes, of families of their own.”

Image Courtesy of  Jon Bon Jovi

The article Jon Bon Jovi Receives Covenant House’s Beacon of Hope Award appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Las Vegas, U.S.A.- Fourteen years later, and Tiger Jam has yet to skip a beat! This past Saturday, Tiger Jam 2012 again rocked the Las Vegas strip, bringing host Tiger Woods and talents including Jon Bon Jovi and Friends and American Idol winner David Cook to the stage for an incredible performance. Held at the renowned Mandalay Bay Events Center, the sold-out concert and accompanying attractions raised approximately $1 million for programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Kicking off the weekend, VIP Tiger Jam guests were treated to a day of golf at Cascata Golf Club, which included a private exhibition with Woods followed by a round of golf. Next, guests went head-to-head for an exclusive night of poker, competing against some of the game’s biggest names.

Tiger’s Poker Night, held Friday, April 27, featured such legends as Phil Hellmuth, Jr., who emceed the event and took second place; Ben Lamb who finished fourth; and Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, won first place. Proceeds from the Texas Hold ‘em style charity poker tournament went directly to the college-access programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation, while the winner of the tournament received a foursome of golf with Tiger Woods. Following poker, VIP guests gathered at Moorea Beach Club for a performance from The Bravery.

On Saturday, headliners Jon Bon Jovi and Friends took the stage, delivering a rocking performance that included some of Jon’s greatest hits such as: Livin’ on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name and Wanted Dead or Alive. Opening the show was singer, songwriter and American Idol season seven winner David Cook.

Live and silent auctions preceded Saturday night’s event. VIP guests mixed and mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Tiger Jam reception. During the live auction, a Lindsey Vonn skiing weekend package that included a skiing lesson from the Olympian, went for $20,000; a Maui Jim Fishing Excursion went for $10,000; a getaway to Turtle Island, Fiji raised $19,000; and the Ultimate Gastronomic Golf Getaway With Mario Batali in NYC, went to the highest bidder for $10,000.

After the main concert event, guests returned to the House of Blues for the after-party hosted by M.C. Hammer.

Image Courtesy of   sportgraphic / Shutterstock.com

The article Jon Bon Jovi Raised U$ 1 Million For The Tiger Woods Foundation appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

On October 19th international known rock star Jon Bon Jovi opened up his new donation only restaurant, Soul Kitchen. Teaming up with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, the Soul Kitchen is located in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bon Jovi’s home state. The Soul Kitchen is a unique restaurant where people can enjoy healthy meals from locally grown products without dipping into their wallets to pay for it.

Bon Jovi understands the struggles of his fellow Americans during the current hard economical times. With the increased prices of food and millions losing their jobs, many people across the country are left hungry and without much hope. Bon Jovi’s mission in creating a pay what you want restaurant is to make sure people in his supportive community do not go hungry anymore.

“This is not a soup kitchen,” the rocker stated. “You can come here with the dignity of linens and silver, and you’re served a healthy, nutritious meal. This is not burgers and fries.” For the minimum donation of $10, people can enjoy the experience of dining out in a restaurant while eating a nutritious and delicious meal.

Every person dining in Soul Kitchen can enjoy a three course meal American meal. For the first course, diners can choose from either a soup or salad. For the main course, people are given the choice of having a meat, fish, or a vegetarian entree. A sweet dessert rounds out the three course meal.

The chefs at Soul Kitchen strive to create regional dishes using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant uses organically grown produce as much as possible and often sources its ingredients straight from New Jersey. Although there is a minimum of $10, people who are able to afford to donate more can make an impact in the lives of their community.

Those who pay more than $10 can cover the bill for someone else who can’t afford the meal. Dining out is often considered a luxury for people around the country, and some simply can’t afford it. Soul Kitchen aims to make sure people don’t go without a healthy meal, even if the $10 minimum donation is too high of a price for some.

Soul Kitchen will not turn away anyone who can’t pay, and instead gives these people an opportunity to volunteer at the restaurant. These diners are able to pay for their meals by helping around the restaurant. They are able to lend a helping hand in preparing the food in the kitchen, cleaning and setting the tables in the front of the restaurant, or helping others as a waiter or waitress.

Not only are people able to work for their healthy meals, they learn valuable skills in the restaurant business that may lead to permanent jobs in the industry. Soul Kitchen has their doors open to volunteers in the community who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

The selfless act of community service is highly encouraged and Soul Kitchen is always on the look out for people who want to help serve others. For more information on how to volunteer at Soul Kitchen, check out jbjsoulkitchen.org.

sportgraphic / Shutterstock.com

The article Jon Bon Jovi Opens a Donation Only Restaurant appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.